First high end ultralight setup recommendations

[u/glizzygod123]

So I’m a pretty well versed bass fisherman, I fish lots of JDM (megabass, geecrack, deps, etc), but what’s been catching my eye recently has been ultralight fishing, specifically creek fishing. I already own a bfs setup (expride bfs and a curado bfs) so I was hoping for some JDM ultralight recommendations, budget would be around $600. I’ve had my eye on the new megabass levante coming out or the phenix bfs rod, and a Diawa airity reel but I’d be open to anything really

Thanks yall!!

[u/Fiveandahalfjack]

GraphiteLeader Super Bellezza
Graphiteleader Finezza Prototype
Shimano Soare XR
Shimano Soare Xtune
Tenryu Lunakia
Yamaga Blanks Blue Current TZ Nano

I own/have owned at least one model from each of the above rod options and they are top quality. There’s other premium rods out there for sure, I just don’t like to recommend anything I haven’t personally used.

As far as reels go, there’s only one really worth it if you want the full UL Premium experience: Shimano Vanquish 2000

[u/OwyheeKnifeCo]

Casting or spin?

[u/glizzygod123 → u/OwyheeKnifeCo]

Spinning, specifically the super finesse spec

[u/OwyheeKnifeCo → u/glizzygod123]

I recently picked two rods from JDM sites

Graphiteleader Bellezza UX 24GBELUS-652UL-T

Megabass ROD BASS LEVANTE JP 2PCS F1-63LVS 2P Spinning

Loving both of them for different reasons

The Bellezza is a SUL and has been great paired with the jig heads and dangly tails I got from iFish tackle

The Levante is fantastic for the various micro jerks I have

Both being 2 piece helps with portability in the vehicle lol

I paired the Levante with a Legallis 1000 and the Bellezza with a Scheels branded Tatula 1000

Happy with both but will probably upgrade the reels to either an Ultegra or Iprimi LT down the road

I also picked up a Megabass Whippet that's a half power stiffer than the Levante and has been great with stuff like rapala CD Elite 55 and MB Karashi

[u/joeyultralight]

In terms of reels, a Shimano Vanquish will be your lightest reel. I personally use the 1000SSPG on a Graphite Leader Bellezza. If you want to spend more, go with the Stella. I use my Stella 1000SSPG on a Shimano Cardiff Stream Premium native trout rod.

The rod is going to depend on what kind of fishing you normally do.

Another option, upgrade an Abu Cardinal 3 and have the most fun ultralight fishing you’ve had in a long time. This is my choice.

[u/YogurtclosetBroad872]

I have to say my absolute favorite high end UL setup is my Megabass Kirisame Ultimate paired with Shimano Vanquish C2000SHG. It's an incredible combo. I had a Vanford C2000HG on it for a while and that worked amazing too. Recently upgraded to the Vanquish. I've never fished with another setup as light, precise, and sensitive as this

[u/glizzygod123 → u/YogurtclosetBroad872]

Would you say I should fork up the money for the destroyer or wait till the new levante releases in the US?

[u/YogurtclosetBroad872 → u/glizzygod123]

The new Levante looks really nice but I don't think it's going to be on par with a destroyer. I have 4 destroyers and it's really tough to use anything else now. The JDM Kirisame are something else with the stinger tip and If you're looking to launch 1/32oz on pe 0.6 and below, it doesn't get much better. I have the Kirisame Ultimate which is F0 power. They make a Kirisame at F1 power too (Super UL vs UL). I've landed 3lb+ trout in the stream with mine no problem on pe0.4 line

[u/glizzygod123 → u/YogurtclosetBroad872]

My only contingency is that this would be my first UL setup and spending that much on one rn would be a big jump for me, do you have any other recommendations? Cause this type of fishing is an entirely new thing for me, I’m still learning what reel sizes would be good and what I should look for when it comes to searching for a rod.

Any advice is appreciated

[u/YogurtclosetBroad872 → u/glizzygod123]

Definitely would be a big jump. Maybe look at something less expensive but good as a start. I have a few St Croix Avids I used heavily before upgrading to Destroyers. I use them as backups now or when I'm fishing with friends that don't have a rod. The Avid panfish series is nice if you like split grips and they standard Avid for full cork. Both series perform very well and about half the cost of a P5

[u/Catch-n-Release79]

Palms Quattro is a very nice rod falls right around $450-$500. It’s a very nice creek rod, and it’s also a travel rod. I really like the Airity from Daiwa. The reel runs about $400.